The Sonder Tribe
A tribe of cats set in a mountain valley region with diverse seasonal climates.
Each cat gets an accessory which is important to them, and wears it for their lifetime (often a secure necklace or waist wrap, though sometimes a piercing if the individual is especially bold and brave (as receiving it will be a painful ordeal)). These are passed down to the individual who is most important to them, and this often results in individuals who have many more than others. The one with the most inherited accessories becomes the leader, as they are though to be the most honest and trustworthy cat. When a cat first recieves their first accessory they must tell the current leader who they would like their accessory to go to if they are to die, but this can be changed at any time, because as they age, they will almost certainly have their own families and their preference may change.
Burials Often, after an individual has passed, there will be a ceremony in which the whole tribe gathers, often during sunset (representative of the ending life) and the closest cat to the individual (the one who is passed down their accessory) will give their final goodbyes and respects in a speech.
Makes important decisions for the clan, such as what to do when threatened with danger, and organising patrols and burials. Once the former leader passes, the cat with the most accessories is chosen as their successor.
These cats are the ones that advice the leader, and are often the older and highly decorated individuals of the tribe.
There are often up to three of these in a tribe. They use plants and other methods to heal injuries and illness within the tribe. The eldest of the leeches will teach all the younger cats the basics so that they are able to have the skills to deal with an emergency situation if they were out of camp or the leeches were unavailable.
There is usually only two of these in the tribe at one time, one being the artisan, and the other their apprentice. They will craft the jewellery and accessories for each cat, and do repairs on existing ones if required.
These cats leave the area in groups, sometimes for weeks or months, in search of materials for accessories, and , also acting as scouts for potential threats. They only ever go during warmer seasons, and stay at camp for winter to help keep the clan alive by temporarily becoming wardens or hunters.
Guards the camp and dens when others are asleep or away hunting or on other trips- some also accompany these groups to protect them. They train other cats basic combat skills and are generally very strong and muscular in stature so that they can fight and chase off enemies.
Will maintain the condition on the dens and the camp in order to keep the structures safe. Other than the head keeper (whos role is permanent), this is a part time job, and they will often help with hunting or warden duties as well.
The name given to cats which are nursing kittens, and in some cases the father if they are especially attentive.
Young cats who will stay in the nursery until they are 4-6 months old. They will then be given their first accessory and their role in the tribe.